The British Government has set out final proposals in an Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) backing Heathrow expansion through developing a new north-west runway. MPs will be called to a vote on the NPS in the next few weeks.

Under the proposal, expansion will be delivered in a ‘cost-efficient and sustainable way’, says the Government, with a ‘comprehensive package of measures to support affected communities and protect the environment’.

Heathrow will be privately financed and costs will ‘not fall on the taxpayer’, assures the government. “To make sure expansion is delivered with consumers’ interests at heart, the government has asked the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the scheme remains affordable while meeting the needs of passengers,” it adds.

A Heathrow spokesperson told TRBusiness this afternoon that the new runway would increase passenger capacity from the current 85.5m to 130m by 2035 (the total number of passengers reached 78m last year).

“The airport has been full for a decade,” added the spokesperson, before revealing that the airport is looking to increase its long routes by 40, including those all important flights to Chinese destinations.

“Together with our supporters across the country, we urge all MPs to vote for expansion,” John Holland-Kaye, CEO Heathrow.

30 AIRLINES QUEUEING UP TO GET IN 

There are currently over 80 airlines serving the airport with a further 30 – including easyJet which fully supports Heathrow expansion – just waiting ‘in the wings’ for room to become available.

If Government was to vote in favour of the proposals – within 21 ‘sitting days’ (days that Parliament sits) – the framework planning permission for Heathrow’s new runway would need to seek further approval from a planning authority in 18 months time.

There will no doubt be further obstacles ahead, but providing Heathrow can conquer them all, the world’s second busiest airport (by international traffic) aims to break ground on the new runway in 2021 and open it in 2026.

Heathrow CEO John Holland Kaye said:  “Together with our supporters across the country, we urge all MPs to vote for expansion. Their votes will connect all of Britain to global trade, increase competition and choice for passengers and create tens of thousands of new skilled jobs for future generations. The world is waiting for Britain. It’s time to vote for Heathrow expansion.”

Although retailers have yet to respond to Heathrow on today’s news, the Heathrow spokesperson imagines that the prospect of greater passenger footfall would be welcoming news to all of them.